By Saksham Arora Apollo Tyres was founded in 1972 in India and has grown into one of the country’s most respected tyre manufacturers, serving cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, industrial vehicles and two-wheelers. Known for quality products, extensive distribution and strong service networks, Apollo is a trusted name in automotive tyres. Many entrepreneurs interested in automotive retail explore opening an Apollo Tyres franchise — whether as a retail outlet, service centre or multi-brand tyre shop.
This article explains how the Apollo Tyres franchise/partner model works in India, the typical investment cost, cost breakdown, space requirements, profitability and how to run a franchise successfully.
About the Apollo Tyres Brand
Apollo Tyres offers a wide range of tyres for passenger cars, SUVs, light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and two-wheelers, along with allied auto products. The brand emphasises quality, durability and safety, supported by dealer networks and service centres. Franchise partners benefit from Apollo’s brand recognition, product range, supply chain support and marketing, while customers get professional tyre sales, fitting and alignment services.
Is Apollo Tyres a Franchise or Dealership Model in India?
Apollo Tyres operates through a dealership / authorised partner model rather than a simple walk-in franchise. This means entrepreneurs enter a formal dealer/distributor agreement and open an Apollo Tyres outlet — typically combined with tyre fitting, wheel alignment, balancing and other basic automotive services.
Available partner formats include:
- Retail Tyre Outlet (Standard Dealer) – sells Apollo Tyres and allied products
- Service & Fitting Centre – tyre sales plus fitting, alignment and balancing
- Multi-Brand Tyre Store – Apollo plus other tyre brands and automotive services
Franchise partners operate under agreed terms and must follow Apollo’s standards for branding, service quality and customer care.
Total Apollo Tyres Franchise Investment Cost in India
Investment depends on store size, services offered and city. Typical investment ranges include:
- Small Retail Tyre Outlet: ₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh
- Standard Dealer + Fitting Centre: ₹20 lakh – ₹40 lakh
- Large Multi-Brand Tyre & Service Centre: ₹40 lakh – ₹80 lakh+
Most partners start with a ₹20 lakh – ₹40 lakh investment for a standard Apollo Tyres retail and service outlet in a busy urban or suburban area.
Apollo Tyres Franchise Cost Breakdown
Here’s a typical breakdown of initial costs:
- Dealership / Onboarding Fee: ₹2 lakh – ₹6 lakh (one-time)
- Store Interiors & Signage: ₹4 lakh – ₹10 lakh
- Display Racks & Shelving: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- Initial Inventory (Tyres & Accessories): ₹10 lakh – ₹25 lakh
- Tyre Fitting Equipment: ₹5 lakh – ₹12 lakh
- Wheel Alignment & Balancing Tools: ₹3 lakh – ₹8 lakh
- POS & Billing System: ₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh
- Staff Training & Onboarding: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹3 lakh – ₹8 lakh
- Rental Deposit: depends on city and location
Inventory and tyre service equipment typically form the largest portion of the investment because quality tools and initial stock are essential to operational capability.
Space & Location Requirement
Typical space requirements include:
- Small Retail Outlet: 300 – 800 sq ft
- Standard Tyre Dealer + Service Centre: 800 – 1,500 sq ft
- Large Multi-Brand Service Hub: 1,500 – 3,000+ sq ft
Ideal locations include busy commercial streets, automotive service hubs, near petrol stations, industrial zones or locations with high vehicle traffic where tyre needs are frequent.
Profit Margin & ROI for Apollo Tyres Franchise
Automotive tyre retail and services often see stable margins due to recurring demand.
- Net Profit Margin: 10% – 20% depending on pricing and service mix
- Monthly Revenue Potential: ₹5 lakh – ₹20 lakh+ depending on location and services offered
- ROI Timeline: 24 – 36 months once the outlet stabilises
Profit is driven by tyre sales, wheel alignment and balancing jobs, and add-on services like puncture repair and tyre accessories.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Apollo Tyres partners usually handle ongoing costs such as:
- Service / Brand Fee: typically a periodic charge or margin agreement
- Rent and utilities
- Staff salaries
- Inventory replenishment
- Local promotions and marketing
Dealership agreements may include minimum purchase commitments or periodic performance reviews to maintain brand eligibility.
Support Provided by Apollo Tyres
Franchise partners generally receive:
- Product training and technical support
- Guidance on outlet layout and branding
- Assistance with POS and inventory systems
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Supply chain access and logistics support
This support helps partners maintain product knowledge, service quality and customer satisfaction.
Who Should Invest in an Apollo Tyres Franchise?
- Entrepreneurs with ₹10 lakh – ₹80 lakh+ investment capacity
- People passionate about automotive retail and services
- Investors targeting locations with high vehicle density
- Those with experience in auto service businesses or retail
This model suits partners who want both product sales and service-based revenue streams.
Risks & Challenges
- Competition from local tyre dealers and multi-brand outlets
- Managing inventory and working capital
- Skilled staff hiring and retention
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
Despite these challenges, tyre retail remains a recurring need with steady demand as vehicles require regular replacements and maintenance.
How to Apply for an Apollo Tyres Franchise
- Prepare your business and financial profile
- Identify a location with strong vehicle traffic
- Submit dealership application with investment and space details
- The brand evaluates feasibility and partner capability
- On approval, sign dealership/partner agreement
- Complete interior setup, equipment installation and inventory stocking
- Train staff under brand standards
- Launch the outlet with branding and marketing support
Once operational, your shop sells Apollo tyres, provides fitment and delivers related automotive services.
Conclusion
An Apollo Tyres franchise or authorised dealer outlet presents a strong opportunity in India’s organised automotive retail and service sector. With investment typically ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹80 lakh or more depending on outlet size and services offered, franchise partners can benefit from recurring tyre demand, structured brand support and steady traffic from vehicle owners. For entrepreneurs focused on automotive retail and quality services, an Apollo Tyres franchise offers a promising long-term business opportunity.